Introduction: A vertical garden is a kind of modern garden that grows upward (vertically) facilitated by the use of trellis or other support systems, rather than growing on the ground (horizontally).
Anything growing on a trellis or even a fence is technically part of a vertical garden. This system can be used to build living screens between different areas, providing privacy for your yard or home.
A full guide to vertical garden systems and plans
More recently, vertical gardens are also being used to cultivate flowers and even vegetables. Vertical gardening is known by many as a means to make certain they are using their garden space to its maximum potential. A uncomplicated framework formed by bamboo poles can permit vining plants to climb vertically, providing more growing space than would be achievable in a conventional horizontal garden. Cucumbers, squash, and even tomatoes can be cultivated vertically, as well.
The lack of vegetation in urbanized areas, as a result of the exploding population, human establishments are directly affecting the quality of life we are living, from the physical and aesthetical point of view. The construction of vertical gardens is suggested both in interiors and especially in the exterior of buildings. By using these technologies, any kind of area can be utilized at its maximum facility, adding aesthetic value, beneficial for the environment and human health.
Even if the price of constructing and maintaining the vertical gardens is found higher than the classical landscaping it can be compensated by the environmental benefits, by raising the vegetation surfaces, with impact for reducing the pollution effect. The new modern concepts for landscape advancement are enthusiastic for using any kind of concrete or glass, turning them into real vertical gardens, being potential to overcome the development of the urban regions making a smooth transition for a healthy green urban environment.
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Vertical Gardening is an extraordinary type of urban gardening appropriate to small spaces, particularly for decorating the walls and roofs in various fashions. This is an alternative technique for gardening by expanding the possibility of growing plants in a vertical space. The biggest issue with gardening is, intensive urbanization has left barely any dedicated space for outdoor gardens. Green walls are not just spectacularly attractive, but they are also helpful in vitalizing the ambiance. Green walls also help to take up heated gas in the air, lower down both indoor and outdoor temperatures, providing a healthier indoor air quality as well as a more beautiful space to live.
Climbing plants and vines are not the only options when it comes to vertical gardening. With a little planning and the correct materials, vertical gardens can be created that permits you to cultivate virtually anything. A number of DIY kits can be found that use small cups or other containers set in rows in the form of vertical support. These containers are filled with soil and seeds and then watered. Of course; you’re not bounded to using a single row of containers set into a vertical surface. You can also use virtually any system that permits you to cultivate upward instead of outward. This involves scaffolding, shelving systems, and more. Basically one has to generate flat surfaces at varying intervals along the vertical axis and add plant trays or pots.
Harvesting crops from a vertical garden is considerably simpler than with a conventional on-the-ground garden. Because you are able to harvest while standing mostly upright or completely upright (based on the vertical level being harvested), as compared to kneeling or squatting on the ground. Therefore vertical gardening is less labor intensive easy for even children and older people.
General considerations
Watering must be done on appropriate time keeping the growing conditions of the plants in mind.
Carefully select the wind prone areas especially for Succulent and hardy plants.
Removing the dried leaves regularly.
Keeping the structure clean.
Disposing the water from the drainage system regularly.
Pruning the plants if necessary.
Timely application of fertilizers if required.
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Benefits of Vertical gardening
Adding special aesthetic effects.
Acts as natural insulation for hot and cold air and saves energy.
Reduces Carbon dioxide levels and increases oxygen and improves air quality.
Conserves water as watering takes less effort.
Sound absorption and noise absorption.
Improves thermal insulation and energy efficiency.
Provides protection to buildings from adverse temperature and hence improves the life expectancy of the buildings.
It holds rainwater, providing food and shelter for fauna.
Types of the vertical garden systems
- Green facade
- Living/green wall
- i) Modular green walls
- ii) Vegetated mat wall
Green facades:
Green facades are a kind of green wall system in which climbing plants or cascading groundcovers are trained to cover specially designed supporting arrangement. Plants are either cultivated in the ground or in the elevated containers where they are watered and fertilized. Green facades can be anchored to existing walls or constructed as a freestanding structure, such as fences or columns
Green walls/Living walls
Living wall systems are composed of pre-vegetated panels, vertical modules or planted blankets that are set vertically to a structural wall or frame. These panels can be made up of plastic, expanded polystyrene, synthetic fabric and hold up a great diversity of plant species (such as a lush mixture of ferns, ground covers, perennials, and edible plants).
Vegetated mat wall
This system is composed of two layers of synthetic fabric with pockets filled with growing plants and growing media. The fabric walls are supported on a framework and backup by a waterproof membrane against the building’s wall. Nutrients and water are delivered all the way through an irrigation system at the top of the wall.
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Very useful information given this website. Thanks so much for your valuable tips on garding and growing vegetables and herbs. Look forward to hearing from more as and when I come across any difficulties growing kiwi fruits,passion fruit and avocado in west bengal regions. Howeve,it is quite hard to obtain seeds and seedlings in our areas.Hope the Agri Deparment help those farmers who actually are interested to grow such fruits and vegetables on larger scale for commercial purposes.
Thank you